If you’re refreshing your phone looking for the score of the Mets game today, you might want to take a breath and look out the window. It’s January 13, 2026. The grass at Citi Field is likely dormant, and the only "runs" being made right now are by Steve Cohen’s private jet or agents sprinting to the bank.
There is no game today.
Baseball doesn't start for months. Honestly, the only way you're seeing a score right now is if you're watching a replay of that wild 13-3 blowout against the Phillies from last season. But while there are no box scores to pore over, the "score" in Queens is currently being tallied in hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Winter Scoreboard: $50 Million a Year?
In the world of the New York Mets, the offseason is basically its own sport. Right now, the "score" everyone is talking about isn't runs or hits—it's the massive numbers being thrown at free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Reports are flying everywhere today. According to Robert Murray of FanSided and Will Sammon at The Athletic, David Stearns is currently playing a high-stakes game of chicken. The Mets have reportedly dangled a short-term, high-average-annual-value (AAV) deal in front of Tucker. We’re talking $50 million per season.
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It’s a specific strategy. They want the talent without the decade-long commitment that usually leads to a 38-year-old DH hitting .190 while making a king's ransom.
Why the Scoreboard Matters Right Now
- The Juan Soto Factor: Last year, the Mets dropped a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract on Juan Soto. That set the floor.
- The Kyle Tucker Chase: Tucker is 28, coming off a season where he slashed .266/.377/.841 with 22 homers.
- The Competition: The Blue Jays and Dodgers are lurking. If the Mets lose this "game," they’re looking at a much thinner market featuring Cody Bellinger or Bo Bichette.
What Happened to the Mets Last Season?
To understand why people are so desperate for a win—even in January—you have to look back at the 2025 season. It was... well, it was a Mets season. They finished 83-79. Not terrible, but when you have the highest payroll in the history of the sport (over $323 million), "not terrible" is a disaster.
They missed the playoffs. Fans are restless. The "score" of the Mets game today is effectively a measurement of fan hope.
Owner Steve Cohen is clearly tired of the "lovable losers" tag. After losing stalwarts like Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo to free agency, the team is in a bit of a transition. They aren't rebuilding—Cohen doesn't do that—but they are retooling with a massive amount of "F-you" money.
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When Do the Real Games Start?
If you're looking for a box score with actual baseball stats, you've got a wait ahead of you.
The 2026 schedule is already set. Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 26, 2026. That’s Opening Day. The Mets will be at home at Citi Field, taking on the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:15 pm ET.
Early 2026 Schedule Highlights:
- Opening Series: March 26, 28, and 29 vs. the Pirates.
- West Coast Trip: A brutal early run starting April 2 through April 15, hitting St. Louis, San Francisco, and the Dodgers.
- Subway Series: The first clash with the Yankees happens May 15–17 at Citi Field.
Before that, we have Spring Training. The first televised glimpses of the 2026 squad will happen in late February. On February 22, the Mets travel to play the Yankees in a Grapefruit League matchup. It doesn't count, but in New York, it always kinda counts.
The Financial "Box Score" You Need to Know
While you can't see a final score today, here is the current financial standing of the team’s biggest moves.
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David Stearns is reportedly keeping the offer to Kyle Tucker between $120 million and $140 million over three years. Some sources say it could even go higher. Tucker turns 29 this Saturday. If the Mets can "score" a signature by then, it’ll be the biggest win of the winter.
They are also keeping a close eye on Bo Bichette. The Phillies are rumored to be interested in him too, which only adds fuel to the NL East fire.
Actionable Next Steps for Mets Fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve:
- Track the Tucker Timeline: Insiders like Ken Rosenthal suggest a decision could come this week or next. Follow The Athletic or Metsmerized Online for the literal minute-by-minute updates.
- Check Opening Day Tickets: With the Pirates coming to town on March 26, tickets are already hitting secondary markets. Prices are hovering around $176 for decent seats.
- Watch the Winter League: If you're starving for actual play, keep an eye on Luisangel Acuña. He’s been tearing it up in the winter leagues, recently posting the first four-homer game in winter league history.
Basically, the "score" of the Mets game today is $0 to $140 Million. We’re just waiting for Kyle Tucker to pick up the pen.